"End of June Titles at Caliver Books" Topic

Wow. That's quite the daring cover. looks like pre-war cubism?

I like that cover alot. Very interesting approach.

Dreadful name and dreadful cover!

The cover is definitely intriguing. I wonder if it will actually appeal to gamers, though. It looks more like it should be on the cover of a Napoleonic comedy novel.

Still, kudos for daring to try something different.

Never judge a book by its cover – but its the cover that first attracts attention!

Yeah, I like the cover. It is different and very well executed. Definitely eye-catching.

Can't speak for the rules themselves, as I've never seen them, and I must say the name doesn't appeal to me so much (because of its diaper connection).

But I would happily frame that cover as a print.

Russ Lockwood, designer of Snappy Nappy, stopping in at Dennis' shop and using the OMM account for the moment…

Thank you very much for the kind words about the cover, and especially for the comment: "kudos for daring to try something different."

That is indeed what I am doing -- taking a new approach to Napleonic wargaming that emphasizes speed and simplicity, yet retains the flavor of the three arms.

When I set out to have the rules published, I convinced Dennis that a bold new "look" would be the best way to present a bold new rules set. Inside are traditional b/w illustrations for purists as well as line drawings for game examples (fire arcs, firing and melee examples, etc.).

Yes, I picked a name that would be memorable and non-traditional. There are enough sonorous sounding titles about and my approach needed something new…and…snappy enough for those who thought about getting into Napleonic gaming, but were dissuaded by existing rules' complexity and figure requirements.

Snappy Nappy starts with a solid introduction to miniature Napoleonic wargaming before launching into the rules. Note that you can field a corp with under 50 figures -- a great way to start off.

As part of that bold new approach, when you purchase Snappy nappy from either Dennis at OMM or Dave at Caliver, they will provide a FREE copy of Napoleon #17 (an overview of the Napleonic era and wars) and a FREE copy of a music CD called Emperor Triumphant (uses the same cover) which is original background music (electronic classical is how it's best described) for your painting and wargaming pleasure -- a movie soundtrack for your wargames.

"I would happily frame that cover as a print."

If you bought a copy and tore the cover off, that's OK. Afterwards, I'd hope you'd read the rules and find them as "ultrafast, simple, and subtle" as the title proclaims.

I will be at Historicon (at the MagWeb booth), for those that want to chat.

Russ Lockwood

Just found two reviews of Snappy Nappy in TMP:

Some excerpts:

"Nothing but positive comments around the table, and the game was apparently enjoyable enough for us to schedule another one next week."

"Played a solo game here and quite enjoyed it for much the same reasons you stated above. Product works as advertised : )"

Full reviews…

TMP link

Thank you for trying Snappy Nappy and I am glad to see that both of you enjoyed your games.

Russ Lockwood

Just received my copy today from Caliver [I'm in UK] and have been reading it with great pleasure. It's well-written in a engaging style and the explanations of the concepts and rules are clear. I'm looking forward to playing some trial games whilst on holiday this summer.
I do like the distinctive cover – could this start a trend for non-representational art on the covers of wargame rules? – but my one disappointment was the very traditional illustrations inside, which were not particularly interesting or relevant to the level and style of the game.
Thanks for making these rules available again, Russ!

Thank you for your kind comments, especially about "reading it with great pleasure. It's well-written in a engaging style and the explanations of the concepts and rules are clear." As the rules author, that's paramount. Of course, I'd especially like to hear about your impressions after you've had a game or two.

"one disappointment was the very traditional illustrations inside"

Except for the rules artwork (formations, pg 20-21, fronts and flanks p.22, charge example p. 23, firing arcs p. 25, etc. etc.), the rest of the b/w illustrations are indeed traditional, 19th C. illustrations. It was enough to convince the publisher to take a chance on the cover -- you've already seen the posts, pro and con.

"I do like the distinctive cover – could this start a trend for non-representational art on the covers of wargame rules?"

I don't know, but I'd like to claim at least some of the credit if it does! :) Part of the reason why you see so many "traditional" covers is the expense of hiring an artist to create original art…and if you do hire an artist, then it drives the price of the rules up. So it is a balance of cost versus projected sales on the part of the publisher.

>Thanks for making these rules available again, Russ!

You're welcome. But also thank Dennis from On Military Matters for deciding to put up the expense and publish them.